James Ashby drops case against Peter Slipper

TWO years after launching legal action, former parliamentary staffer James Ashby says he’s dropped his case against former Speaker Peter Slipper.

James Ashby leaves The Federal Court in Sydney. Today Ashby won appeal against his former employer Peter Slipper.

FORMER staffer James Ashby has decided to drop legal action against his ex-boss and Speaker Peter Slipper, after pursuing him over alleged sexual harassment for more than two years.

“After deep reflection and consultation with those close to me, I now have decided to seek leave to discontinue my Federal Court action against Peter Slipper,” Mr Ashby said in a statement today.

“This has been an intense and emotionally draining time for me and my family, taking its toll on us all.”

The ex-staffer, who alleged the former Speaker made unwanted sexual advances, said one of the “key reasons” he took action was to stop Mr Slipper’s behaviour.

“I am confident this has been achieved.”

He decided to stop action taking into account recent reports the former MP has been “mentally unwell”.

“Under such circumstances, I do not wish to continue lengthy proceedings that could potentially cause him great harm,” Mr Ashby said.

He also cited a recent decision by the Federal Court to award him an appeal, against a decision to throw the case out of court.

Another consideration, he said, was the cost of the lengthy legal battle, both to him and the Commonwealth.

Must be relieved ... former parliamentary Speaker Peter Slipper.

“The Commonwealth Government continues to fund Mr Slipper’s legal costs against me. It is most likely that well over a million dollars has been paid already by Australian taxpayers to Mr Slipper, this is on top of the Commonwealth’s own legal costs, in excess of $700,000.”

Mr Ashby was even concerned about the prospect of success.

“If I succeed against Mr Slipper, that win may result in another appeal which will only prolong closure for me, and increase costs.

“This type of ‘deep pocket’ litigation, where one side has unlimited money, from the taxpayers, makes it fundamentally unfair for an ordinary person seeking justice.

“Also, Peter Slipper has claimed in other legal proceedings that he has no funds. This will make it unlikely that he will pay any verdict or additional costs orders beyond his deal with the Commonwealth.”

He thanked his legal team from Harmers Workplace Lawyers for their “unflinching legal and moral support”, as well as for covering all costs.

“Harmers are prepared to continue funding and supporting me, but they are funding other cases and

I have decided that my case should not continue in such unfair circumstances given our already significant legal victory in a senior court.”

Mr Ashby launched legal action in April 2012, accusing the then Speaker of sexual harassment and Breach of Contract.

Mr Slipper last month lost his bid in the ACT Supreme Court to have a permanent stay in proceedings over another case; charges of misusing Cabcharge vouchers to visit Canberra wineries in 2010.